BLUE MIND – Wallace J. Nichols

Having often gravitated toward the water for rest and relaxation, I was intrigued by this book, offering “surprising science that shows how being near, in, on, or under water can make you happier, healthier. connected, and better at what you do.”

It is very clear that author Nichols is very passionate about this subject and excited to share his scientific proof of his theories. I definitely got caught up in his enthusiasm.

Nichols explores all the aspects of water. From its uses in literature to medical therapy … even its color and how that affects our perceptions … it becomes clear that we have an intimate relationship and dependency with water. And the message beyond this is quite clear…given this relationship, we need to take much better care of this resource and source of comfort.

Sometimes, people such as myself, can feel a connection to something but not understand what, how, and why we have such a connection. This book goes to great lengths to help us understand why so many of us feel such a connection to water. We all have a ‘blue mind’ even if we aren’t fully aware of it. I’m not sure how or why the timing worked out as it did, but I read this book (mostly because it was next in my queue) at the same time that my wife and I began earnest research on buying a lakefront home. Kismet? Or just our ‘blue mind’ at work?

While I really enjoyed and got excited over what Nichols shares with us – the book was often over-long, and included science that was at best fringe-worthy … do we need scientific evidence that the color ‘blue’ is inspiring and relaxing to us? I understand that the book is called “Blue Mind” but it is about water, not the color blue.

His final chapter, about blue marbles, is very inspiring, and I’d love to attend a lecture given by Nichols. If everyone could read this book, or perhaps hear him speak, so many more people will come to appreciate the importance of water on our water planet.

Looking for a good book? Blue Mind is insightful, introspective, and important and well worth the read.

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Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do